NC S524

Extends the length of stay limit for child mental health residential placements from 120 days to 180 days, with exceptions requiring independent psychiatric assessment and Child and Family Team review.

Requires an assessment to ensure appropriateness before admitting a child to Level III or Level IV residential placement, with specific criteria that must be met (step down from higher level, unsuccessful intensive therapies, health/safety concerns, or active transition plan).

Allows Local Management Entities (LMEs) to designate appropriate individuals to sign discharge plans within 24 hours of receipt, rather than making authorization approval conditional on all signatures.

Requires existing residential providers to be nationally accredited within one year of enactment, with nationally accredited providers preferred for placement considerations.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report findings on the effectiveness of length of stay limitations and the number of children in Level II, III, and IV facilities to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services on or before January 1, 2011, with updates every six months thereafter for three years.